182 On the Use and Abuse of 



vient to the interests of the state as well as 

 to the happiness of the people. The Roman 

 government did not always neglect this branch 

 of policy. For, their sports, in the early and 

 Tude state of the nation, were adapted to the 

 circumstances in which the people were 

 placed. But incessantly harassed themselves, 

 or employed in harassing others, they had 

 neither leisure nor inclination to cultivate those 

 arts wliich contribute to liberal amusement : 

 Ever occupied with warfare, all their amuse- 

 ments had a warlike tendency. The contests 

 of savage animals and the conflicts of gla- 

 diators, suited alike the ferocious manners of 

 the populace and the political views of their 

 rulers. When the empire had subdued more 

 polished nations, it might have been expect- 

 ed, that its amusements would have assumed a 

 different spirit and complexion. — But the 

 habits of the people were too deeply rooted 

 and depraved to be easily changed — And, in- 

 deed, so far were their rulers from wishing to 

 accomplish this reformation, that from corrupt 

 and selfish views, they studiously excited the 

 propensities of the people towards degrading 

 and inhuman shews, by administering constant 

 food for these savage enjoyments. 



In the progress of civilization, since the 

 downfal of the Roman empire, great and im- 



